Aya Miyaguchi: The Role and Challenges of the Ethereum Foundation (#287)

The Ethereum Foundation has played a crucial role in the evolution of the blockchain ecosystem. They pioneered the Swiss foundation structure and ran one of the first token sales. They played a key role in developing the second-most valuable blockchain network and still play a key role in funding research and steering the future of Ethereum.

At the same time, it has been frequently criticized for a lack of transparency, being too slow in funding development and poor financial risk management. Executive Director Aya Miyaguchi joined us to discuss her journey into the space, the role of the Ethereum Foundation and their plans for the future.

Topics discussed in this episode:
– How Aya went from high school teacher to enter the crypto space
– Joining Kraken and building their presence in Japan
– The role of the Ethereum Foundation in the Ethereum ecosystem
– Decision making processes and governance in the Ethereum Foundation
– Ethereum's grant program and funding priorities
– The Ethereum Foundation's plans to attempt to become more transparent
– The Ethereum Foundation's approach to conflicts of interest
– Why the EF decided to support MolochDAO
– Whether Ethereum should be concerned about competition from other blockchain networks

3 Comments on Aya Miyaguchi: The Role and Challenges of the Ethereum Foundation (#287)

11:55 Yes, Ethereum Foundation is centralized and has threatened to use “ethereum” trademark against competitors. They’re hardcore corporatists and use the foundation to funnel the money to their friends.